Stary Sącz

Infobox Settlement
name = Stary Sącz


image_caption = Gate with tower
image_shield = POL Stary Sącz COA.svg
pushpin_

pushpin_label_position = bottom
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = POL
subdivision_type1 = Voivodeship
subdivision_name1 = Lesser Poland
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Nowy Sącz
subdivision_type3 = Gmina
subdivision_name3 = Stary Sącz
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Marian Adam Cycoń
area_total_km2 = 16.56
population_as_of = 2006
population_total = 8987
population_density_km2 = auto
timezone = CET
utc_offset = +1
timezone_DST = CEST
utc_offset_DST = +2
latd = 49 | latm = 33 | lats = 45 | latNS = N | longd = 20 | longm = 38 | longs = 11 | longEW = E
elevation_m = 320
postal_code_type = Postal code
postal_code = 33-340
blank_name = Car plates
blank_info = KNS
website = http://www.stary.sacz.pl

Stary Sącz [IPA-pl|'|s|t|a|r|y|-|'|s|o|n|cz] is a town in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland, founded in the 13th century.

History

In 1257 Bolesław V the Chaste gave his Hungarian wife, Princess Kinga, "the Sądecki district" (Ziemia Sądecka) with its centre in Sącz. Here Kinga founded a Poor Clares convent and the Franciscan order.

In 1279 Kinga renounced her princely power and she moved to "her" convent. In 1292 Princess Kinga died. Sisters of Saint Clare prayed for her beatification. The process lasted almost 300 years. Finally, there was the beatification of Kinga in 1690. After so many years an extremely noble event was in 1999. Pope John Paul II canonized Kinga in Stary Sącz.

The town was hit several times by fires. The worst conflagration took place in 1795 when almost the whole town was burnt. Only one building was not completely destroyed. It was the brick-built house from the 17th century. Today, there is a museum.

Stary Sącz is a very historic town. It has a lot of monuments which are priceless. Notable places include the Poor Clares convent and the market square. In 2007 the town celebrated the 750th foundation anniversary. In order to commemorate it the town was renovated. Plenty of things were made to make the town more attractive and to protect its uniqueness.